MAF is planning to use a floatplane to link isolated people to essential services
In the heart of East Africa lies Lake Victoria, the largest lake on the continent. It stretches far and wide, connecting Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Scattered across this vast expanse of water are some 3,000 islands.
North-west, on the Ugandan shore, are the Ssese islands, 84 of which are inhabited. Isolated from the mainland, these islands lack access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare and spiritual support.
‘Here in Uganda, some of the most isolated people live on the islands of Lake Victoria,’ shares Ruth Jack, MAF’s Country Director in Uganda.
‘Their access to education, health services and the Gospel is very limited. That is why we would like to have a floatplane – an amphibious aircraft – to serve these communities and transform lives.’
MAF is currently seeking to purchase a floatplane to bring help, hope and healing to people on the island communities of Lake Victoria.
These islands, though in close proximity, are worlds apart in terms of accessibility. For residents to visit neighbouring islands, they must first return to the mainland with one boat – which can take many hours – then endure a long wait for the next available vessel, before finally reaching their destination.
This isolation not only limits their access to education, healthcare and supplies, but also endangers lives.
Bishop Misango Fred spoke to MAF’s Sam Baguma and recalled a tragic accident.
‘We were returning from a conference when a storm struck. Our boat made it back safely, but another group wasn’t as fortunate. Their boat overturned, and one person lost their life,’ he said.
These dangers are all too common, with overcrowded dugout canoes and unpredictable weather leading to countless accidents.
‘Providing a safe mode of transport removes these risks,’ says Sam. ‘It would transform not just transportation but the lives of those who feel isolated and forgotten.’
Our new floatplane would not only deliver the Gospel but could also provide medical supplies, educational resources and life-saving connections.
Bishop Misango expressed his gratitude to MAF, saying, ‘Thank you for thinking about us. Your support means so much to us. May God bless you abundantly.’
Together we serve, together we fly.
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